By Tony Kelshaw
There is plenty to like about the chances of Irish raider Limerick Lace in the KC Sofas Doncaster Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares’ Chase.
Gavin Cromwell’s charge enjoyed a nice novice campaign over fences last term, scoring at Down Royal and Naas, and has come back looking even better this season.
The six-year-old routed a decent rival in Heia at Clonmel before finishing an excellent second of 20 in Navan’s Troytown Chase, when sent off 4-1 favourite for that prestigious contest.
Coko Beach was her only conqueror that day and he has since franked the form with a fine runner-up effort in the Becher Chase at Aintree under a big weight.
Cromwell has a good strike-rate when travelling across to Britain this season and his mare will not mind any of the rain which has hit Doncaster.
Ukantango put a poor debut over fences behind him when running well at Wetherby a month ago and gets the nod in the Always Trying Racing Syndicate Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
Olly Murphy’s gelding did not quite fulfil the early promise he showed over hurdles but that might have been down to losing his confidence in hot company.
He kept on well when chasing home Cerendipity last time out and the vibes are that Ukantango can get back on track now dropped down in class over the bigger obstacles.
Bhaloo looks sure to appreciate a step up in trip in the kcsofas.co.uk British EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.
A bumper winner at Market Rasen when with Fergal O’Brien back in April, he caught the eye staying on in third behind Queens Gamble at Kempton on his debut over jumps for new handler Nicky Henderson.
Twinjets was well backed when successful on his first start for Paul Nicholls at Town Moor and four of his five rivals in the Watch Off The Fence On attheraces.com Handicap Chase were pulled up last time out.
Up at Kelso, Young Buster is fancied to make it three from three over fences by prevailing in the Children’s Immunology Trust Supporting CHAS Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old had plenty in hand when scoring at this track last month and has the scope to cope with a 9lb uplift, especially as his jumping can still improve.
Southwell have put on fair prize money for the Always Gamble Responsibly With BetUK Handicap over a mile and a half and Graphite is rated a solid selection here.
The nine-year-old is obviously no longer the same force as when claiming a couple of Group Three victories in France during his younger days but he does seem in good spirits at present.
After returning to form with an encouraging second at Kempton, he kept on gamely to chase home the well-handicapped Vaguely Royal at Wolverhampton.
It is slightly frustrating to see Graphite raised a little bit up the rankings for those efforts but he is still 6lb lower than when contesting the Northumberland Plate 18 months ago.
Over in Ireland, State Man is hard to oppose when defending his Matheson Hurdle crown at Leopardstown after securing a smooth success in Punchestown’s Morgiana Hurdle on his seasonal reappearance.
The day’s other Grade One contest should be a more competitive affair but Corbetts Cross is expected to relish stepping up to three miles for the first time over fences in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.
Top tips for today’s UK meetings
TAB is betting on 3 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.
DONCASTER: Race 1: 13.55 Jaytee, Race 2: 14.30 Ezmerellda, Race 3: 15.05 Ukantango, Race
4: 15.40 LIMERICK LACE (NAP), Race 5: 16.15 Bhaloo, Race 6: 16.45 Twinjets, Race 7: 17.20
Wholeofthemoon.
KELSO: Race 1: 14.10 To Chase A Dream, Race 2: 14.45 Hashtag Boum, Race 3: 15.20
Traprain Law, Race 4: 15.55 Young Buster, Race 5: 16.28 Nell's Bells, Race 6: 17.02 Hazy
Glen, Race 7: 17.32 Camp Belan.
SOUTHWELL: Race 1: 18.00 Sienna Breeze, Race 2: 18.30 David's Diva, Race 3: 19.00 Gold
Aura, Race 4: 19.30 Glistening Nights, Race 5: 20.00 Graphite, Race 6: 20.30 Rose King, Race
7: 21.00 Wee Fat Mac, Race 8: 21.30 Rusheen Boy.
DOUBLE: Limerick Lace and Bhaloo (Doncaster, Races 4 and 5).
For fields, betting and more information go to www.tab4Racing.com
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